Nicola Harteveld, mum of tragic teen Megan Evans, hits out at police and school over alleged lack of support and sets up Megan's Starr Foundation

THE mother of a 14-year-old girl, thought to have taken her own life because of online bullying, has said she is "hurt and dismayed" at the lack of support given to her family.

Nicola Harteveld, whose daughter Megan Evans died in February, said her family had been "left to cope alone" following the tragedy.

She has hit out at police and Milford Haven School, where Megan was a pupil, calling on them to 'bow their heads in shame'.

She said reports that specialist officers were supporting the family were untrue.

"We have not had contact with a police officer regarding the investigation since the early hours of February 8, and am still waiting to hear about counselling for ourselves and our children," she said.

"If it wasn't for me personally contacting my GP 10 days later asking for advice, who then promptly arranged specialist support for the children, I don't know where we would be."

She continued: "To add insult to injury, we have had no contact from Megan's school since her death whatsoever, despite numerous attempts on our behalf to collect personal items and work of hers at the school. "This has resulted in us resorting to sending a solicitors letter, just so we can collect these precious things."

"I have left it a month to see what support will transpire - but am still left wondering," she said.

"Our grief today is still as raw as the moment we found out our beautiful Megan was gone, yet we still stand alone."

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council said this was understandably a very difficult time for Megan’s family, but denied a lack of support from the school.

"Support, including counselling, has been offered to the family on several occasions but has been declined," the spokesman said.

"The family chose a local headteacher to act as a liaison officer between themselves and the school, who has returned all of Megan’s artwork.

"This was done promptly following a request from the family.

"The only items which belong to Megan and which remain in school are her exercise books.

"Arrangements are in hand to return these to the family together with a book of condolence prepared by the school."

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said an investigation into Megan's death was ongoing, adding that the matter was "being taken very seriously".

She said a specialist family liaison officer had been tasked to work with and support the family, and a senior detective officer has been in contact with the family to discuss any further concerns they may have.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain firmly with the family," she said.

"While the investigation is still underway we would urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding Megan’s death.

"Anyone with any information that may assist the enquiry is asked to contact Milford Haven CID.”

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